non-

1. a prefix meaning “not,” freely used as an English formative, usually with a simple negative force as implying mere negation or absence of something (rather than the opposite or reverse of it, as often expressed by un- ¹ ): nonadherence; noninterference; nonpayment; nonprofessional .

non-

prefix

1. indicating negation

   nonexistent

2. indicating refusal or failure

   noncooperation

3. indicating exclusion from a specified class of persons or things

   nonfiction

4. indicating lack or absence, esp of a quality associated with what is specified

   nonobjective

   nonevent

Word History and Origins

Origin of non-¹

A prefix representing the Latin adverb nōn “not”

Word History and Origins

Origin of non-¹

from Latin nōn not